If you’re craving a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, you’ve just found your new favorite: the Creamy Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Pasta Recipe. This delightful meal combines tender, juicy chicken with vibrant broccoli and perfectly cooked fettuccine, all enveloped in a luxuriously creamy Alfredo sauce. It’s comfort food elevated with simple, fresh ingredients that come together quickly, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special weekend treat. Every bite is a rich, cheesy, and satisfying experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because of its straightforward and accessible ingredients—each essential for building that perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color. From the tender chicken breasts to the fresh broccoli and rich Parmesan cheese, every component plays a delicious role in this Creamy Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Pasta Recipe.
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts: Cooked to golden perfection, they bring protein and a hearty texture to the dish.
- 8 oz fettuccine pasta: The classic pasta choice for Alfredo, with a perfect bite that holds the sauce beautifully.
- 2 cups broccoli florets: Adds vibrant green color and a fresh, slightly crunchy contrast.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For perfectly searing the chicken with a lovely crisp edge.
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter: The base for your creamy sauce, enriching every mouthful.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Brings a fragrant depth and savory aroma to the sauce.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Creates that silky, dreamy texture that defines Alfredo sauce.
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Essential for that cheesy, nutty flavor that makes the sauce irresistible.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle spicy note to keep things interesting.
- Optional: 1 teaspoon lemon zest for garnish: Provides a bright, fresh finish that lifts the entire dish.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Start by seasoning your chicken breasts with salt and pepper—simple yet crucial for flavorful meat. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken for about 5 to 6 minutes per side until it’s golden brown and cooked through. Set the chicken aside and slice it into strips. This step ensures juicy, tender chicken that perfectly complements the creamy sauce and pasta.
Step 2: Boil Pasta and Steam Broccoli
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, and cook your fettuccine until al dente—cooked but still with a slight bite. In the last two minutes of boiling, toss in the broccoli florets to lightly steam them right in the pasta water. This method keeps the broccoli bright and tender without losing its fresh snap. Drain everything and set it aside, ready to be coated in that luscious sauce.
Step 3: Make the Alfredo Sauce
In your skillet, melt 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook it for just about a minute until fragrant but not browned—this keeps the garlic’s flavor fresh and inviting. Pour in the heavy cream and let it gently simmer for 3 to 4 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly and develop that rich base.
Step 4: Add Cheese and Combine
Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, whisking constantly until the sauce is silky smooth and undeniably creamy. The key here is fresh Parmesan—pre-grated varieties just don’t melt into the sauce quite the same way. Once your sauce is ready, toss in the cooked pasta and broccoli, giving everything a thorough coat of that velvety goodness.
Step 5: Finish with Chicken and Season
Finally, add your sliced chicken back into the pan to warm through. This step brings all the ingredients together, allowing the flavors to mingle in perfect harmony. Give the dish a taste and adjust with extra salt and pepper if needed—seasoning is what ties the entire Creamy Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Pasta Recipe together beautifully.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your plate, sprinkle a bit more freshly grated Parmesan on top and add a touch of lemon zest if you like a hint of citrus brightness that cuts through the richness. Freshly cracked black pepper also makes a lovely final touch. These simple garnishes add color and extra layers of flavor without overshadowing the dish’s creamy charm.
Side Dishes
This dish is wonderfully satisfying on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or some garlic bread takes the meal to the next level. The freshness of salad greens dressed lightly with vinaigrette balances the creaminess beautifully, while warm, buttery garlic bread lets you scoop up any leftover sauce deliciously.
Creative Ways to Present
For dinner parties or a family feast, serve this pasta in shallow bowls for a rustic approach or neatly twirl portions on plates for a restaurant-worthy presentation. Garnish individual servings with fresh herbs like parsley or basil for a pop of color and added freshness that will impress your guests and make the dish look as good as it tastes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Creamy Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Pasta Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Make sure to cool the pasta completely before sealing to preserve the fresh flavors and creamy texture.
Freezing
While creamy pasta dishes don’t always freeze perfectly, you can freeze this recipe if needed by placing it in a freezer-safe container. It’s best to enjoy it within one month and know that the texture of the broccoli may soften slightly upon thawing.
Reheating
When reheating leftovers, gently warm the pasta in a skillet over low heat with a splash of milk or cream to help revive the sauce’s creaminess. Avoid microwaving on high heat to prevent the sauce from separating or becoming grainy.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While fettuccine is traditional for Alfredo, you can use penne, linguine, or even rigatoni. Just make sure to cook the pasta until al dente so it holds up well in the creamy sauce.
Is there a way to make this recipe lighter?
Yes, you can substitute half-and-half for heavy cream or use a mix of milk with a bit of sour cream to retain creaminess but cut fat content. Keep in mind the sauce may be slightly less rich but still delicious.
Can I prepare the chicken ahead of time?
Definitely! Cooking and slicing the chicken up to a day ahead can save time when making the recipe. Just store it separately in the fridge and add it back in the final step to warm through.
What can I do if I don’t have fresh Parmesan?
Freshly grated Parmesan is recommended for the best flavor and smooth sauce, but if you only have pre-grated cheese, it will work in a pinch. Just be sure to stir thoroughly to help it melt evenly.
Can I add extra vegetables to this dish?
Sure thing! Mushrooms, peas, or even spinach would be great additions. Just add them during the pasta cooking stage or sauté separately to incorporate right before serving.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend the Creamy Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Pasta Recipe enough—it’s a perfect mix of comforting, fresh, and indulgent that feels truly special every time you make it. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this recipe is reliably delicious and surprisingly simple to pull off. Give it a try, and I promise it’ll become one of those dishes you turn to again and again.
Print
Creamy Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Creamy Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Pasta is a delicious and comforting dish featuring tender chicken breasts, al dente fettuccine, and crisp broccoli florets all tossed in a rich, homemade Alfredo sauce made with butter, garlic, heavy cream, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Ready in just 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner that combines protein, vegetables, and indulgent flavors in one creamy skillet meal.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt (divided)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (divided)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Pasta and Vegetables
- 8 oz fettuccine pasta
- 2 cups broccoli florets
Sauce
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Optional Garnish
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- Additional Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Season and cook chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly with salt and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5 to 6 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove from skillet and slice into strips.
- Cook pasta and broccoli: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Add the broccoli florets to the boiling pasta water for the last 2 minutes of cooking. Drain both and set aside.
- Prepare Alfredo sauce: In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and allow it to simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching.
- Add Parmesan cheese: Gradually stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese, whisking continuously until the sauce becomes smooth, rich, and creamy.
- Toss pasta and broccoli in sauce: Add the drained fettuccine and broccoli to the skillet with the Alfredo sauce. Toss everything carefully to coat the pasta and vegetables evenly with the sauce.
- Add sliced chicken and warm through: Return the sliced chicken strips to the pan. Gently stir and heat until the chicken is warmed through. Taste the dish and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary.
- Serve: Serve the creamy chicken broccoli Alfredo pasta warm, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and lemon zest if desired for an added bright flavor.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and a smooth sauce texture.
- Be sure not to overcook the pasta; it should be al dente to hold up well when tossed in the sauce.
- Lemon zest is optional but adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the sauce.
- You can substitute chicken with shrimp or mushrooms for a different variation.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
